The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa‘s mathematics department is inviting math- and science-loving girls and boys in elementary and middle schools, and their parents, to a free event, "An Afternoon of Beautiful Mathematics for Girls," on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1-5 p.m. at the UHM Campus Center Ballroom.

Attendees will be able to explore mentor-run discovery stations designed and run by women graduates and undergrads, and supervised by UHM faculty members, in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The stations, whose topics will include robotics and space exploration, will encourage the solving of hands-on math and engineering problems. In addition, there will be a short expository talk at the beginning of the session.

"A major goal of our initiative is to address the dual barriers of gender and ethnicity that Native Hawaiian females face in the STEM disciplines," said Monique Chyba, UHM associate professor of mathematics and event organizer. "To create gender and ethnic equity in the STEM areas, we must motivate girls to pursue educational choices and careers in those disciplines. During the event, mentored by graduate and undergraduate female students from STEM disciplines, the girls will benefit from learning mathematics and science concepts, as well as engage in challenging activities based on current research."

The event is funded by the National Science Foundation and the UHM Diversity and Equity Initiative.